Episode 24
Sparkle.
When I opened my eyes that morning, the world looked beautiful and shiny.
It felt like a day as precious as one borrowed from someone who died yesterday!
But the time I was waiting for—my meeting with Raymond—was still later in the day. So, I had to be patient.
All day, I acted like a puppy that needed to poop, all jittery and restless. But as the sun began to set, I oddly felt calm. Meeting Raymond made me both excited and relaxed.
Since I had to sneak out early tonight, I said goodnight to my family right after dinner. Normally, Koa would come to get me around 10 PM after I’d gone to bed at 9. But tonight, I went into my room right after eating.
Just before 9 o’clock, I heard a soft knock at the window.
Huh? Koa must be here.
I was sitting on the couch, pretending to read calmly, but I ran to the window at lightning speed. The shadow on the balcony looked bigger than usual under the moonlight.
Huh?
I slowly pulled back the curtain and looked up. From the feet to the head of the figure standing outside—big boots, strong legs, broad shoulders, and then…
Raymond!!
I’d seen him several times before, so I was used to his face, but in the moonlight, he looked like a glowing sculpture from another world.
How can someone look this good at night? Even the stars must feel shy.
While I was busy admiring him, Raymond knocked again. I quickly snapped out of it and unlocked the window.
“Eilene, I’m here.”
“Welcome, Raymond.”
I smiled brightly, trying to hide how nervous I was.
He came to my room on his own. Hehe. I want to lock him in and adore him forever—but that kind of thought isn’t allowed in all-ages content, so let’s move on.
“This is your room?”
“It’s your first time here, right?”
Raymond looked a bit shy about being in a lady’s bedroom and avoided my eyes while looking around.
“You came in person today?”
“I rode a horse. I figured it’d be faster to pick you up myself.”
Ride… a horse?
Wait. Does that mean I get to wrap my arms around Raymond’s waist?
Oh my gosh—this fan meeting is really heating up. What a well-planned event!
Feeling like a happy fan, I followed Raymond out to the terrace.
“Take my hand.”
He grabbed a tree with one hand and stretched the other out to me.
It looked like he was proposing, asking, “Will you come with me?” My heart pounded.
I swallowed hard and placed my hand in his. He gently pulled me in and wrapped his arm around my waist—preparing to climb down the tree.
!!!! Oh my!!
My cheeks turned red like camellia flowers.
As my chest pressed against his, I could feel his solid muscles.
When Koa did this, I never thought twice. But with Raymond doing it, I became super aware of every little thing. My heart was pounding so wildly I thought it would jump out of my chest.
But instead of my heart falling, our bodies landed safely on the ground.
Still holding me, Raymond snuck us out through the shadows of the mansion.
I used to feel guilty watching Koa carry me because I thought I was heavy, but Raymond made it look so effortless. That made me feel relieved.
As we neared the forest, I saw a horse waiting for us.
“Lash. Good boy.”
Raymond patted the horse’s head with one hand and, without even a grunt, lifted me onto the saddle.
His arm strength was no joke—I felt like gravity didn’t exist.
Then he climbed on behind me. I thought I’d be the one hugging his waist, but instead, he held me from behind. My face heated up like it would explode.
Wait—is this real or a dream?
No way this kind of fan meeting actually happens. It must be a dream. If it is, please don’t wake me up.
With that wish in my heart, Raymond and I rode off to Logi.
It wasn’t far. After riding for about 15–20 minutes, we arrived at the festival. As cherry blossom trees started appearing, I saw lights set up to keep the festival going even at night.
We left Lash in the nearby woods. He was a smart horse, so we didn’t tie him up.
Soon, we reached a busy street full of people.
It was night, but the festival crowd was even bigger than usual. The cooler evening air made it feel calm and pleasant. We walked a little more and reached the entrance of a park.
“Wow.”
I stood at the entrance and gasped. The pink cherry blossoms filled the area so densely that it was like the world had turned into a soft pink dream. It was magical and beautiful.
I couldn’t close my mouth, and Raymond looked at my face, full of wonder.
“Eilene, do you like it?”
“Yes. It’s really beautiful.”
“I’m glad. It’s nice to see and feel what the common people do.”
“Ah.”
He said it with a teasing smile. My carefully made excuse just crumbled. But strangely, it made me happier.
Raymond knew the real reason—and still agreed to come?
My cheeks flushed, and I smiled. His kindness touched my heart.
Since he already knew my intentions, there was no point pretending to be shy. I was going to make the most out of this fan meeting!
“Raymond, let’s go!”
I pulled his arm and ran into the park.
I made him stand at a perfect photo spot and stared at him like I was taking endless mental photos. Honestly, he looked like a masterpiece no matter where he stood.
This must be what angels look like in heaven. It was heartbreaking that such beauty could only live in my eyes and not in a camera.
If only I had a camera! That’s the one regret of this moment.
While I was holding back all these feelings, I suddenly saw something amazing.
Wait. That’s it!
It was a street artist. He was painting cherry blossom scenes and adding people’s portraits onto them for money.
Yes! You’re the one I choose!
“Raymond, let’s do that.”
I pointed toward the artist.
Raymond looked where I pointed, and I pulled him along without giving him a choice.
“Huh? Eilene?”
He couldn’t resist and just let me lead him.
“Welcome.”
The bearded artist greeted us warmly. The paint stains on his hands and clothes showed he was very experienced.
“Please draw this man.”
“Sure. Go over there and strike a pose.”
Raymond looked a bit embarrassed but followed me without a word.
I positioned him in a good spot. He looked unsure, not knowing how to pose.
“Hmmm.”
Standing next to the artist, I used my fingers to frame a pose, then walked over to Raymond.
“Raymond, put one hand on your waist and let the other hang naturally. Yes, like that. Now, look that way. Perfect!”
Like a pro photographer, I gave him directions until I got the pose I wanted.
“You can draw him like that.”
“Alright. I’ll begin.”
The pose I gave Raymond was based on my favorite image of him: the Grand Duke scanning the battlefield with deep, focused eyes—completely absorbed in his mission. So sexy.
Ahhh… I feel like I’m about to get a nosebleed.
Even though it was dazzling, like looking at the sun, I stared without blinking.
Then it happened.
“Wow, how can that young man be so handsome?”
That passing comment from an older lady hit me like a thunderbolt. I didn’t hear anything else around me—only that line echoed in my head.
It felt like running into someone from my hometown in a foreign land. I got emotional and grabbed the lady’s hand, talking excitedly.
“Right?! Isn’t he gorgeous? Look at that black hair and blue eyes!”
“Yes, his eyes are sharp, his nose is high… his ears and forehead are perfect.”
“And he’s tall and has broad shoulders too!”
“He’s big and strong. Very manly.”
“You really know how to spot beauty, ma’am!”
I couldn’t hold back my excitement. We kept throwing compliments back and forth like it was a contest. It felt so good!
That joy of fangirling together… it was the best!
After chatting happily for a while, the lady walked off like it was nothing. That’s how aunties are—instant best friends, then instant goodbye.
“All done.”
The artist finished the painting quicker than expected. Raymond walked back over, relaxing now that the posing was done.
The artist was very skilled. It wasn’t photo-realistic, but the vibe I wanted from Raymond came through perfectly. I was super satisfied.
“Here it is. Thank you!”
I paid generously and smiled as I held the painting. Raymond looked at me.
“It turned out nicely, right?”
“Yes. But I should’ve paid for it.”
“No, I’m keeping it, so it’s only right I pay.”
“Huh? You’re keeping it?”
“Of course! I want to look at it whenever I miss you. Do you know how hard things have been for me?”
I couldn’t stop smiling as I looked at the painting.
Yes. This is what fangirling is about!
A true fan can’t go without their favorite’s merch!
I was filled with happiness, thinking that I finally got to enjoy fangirling properly.
